Those that know me, know that I like to do things my own way and I don’t do things just because “that’s how it’s always been done” or because “everyone else is doing it like that.” I am always evaluating my routine and my activities to see if I can do it better or more efficiently. But, despite that, I do like boundaries and I like to stay within them.
Rules are not made to be broken. They are there for a reason. Rules do need to be evaluated often to see if they still apply or need to be adjusted. There are plenty of laws on the books that are no longer valid. If you are in Alabama, be sure you are not caught playing dominoes on Sunday. Generally, the rules are in place for a good reason.
Christianity is known as a religion of do’s and don’ts. A religion of rules and regulations. The laws of God, these “do’s and don’ts” of the Bible are there for a reason. They are set as a guide for us to live by. Not to make us miserable, but to protect us and give us the best life possible. As I read through James, and other parts of the New Testament, these rules and regulations are referred to as “the law that gives freedom.” (James 2:12)
What is that? Laws don’t give freedom, they restrict us. They tell me what I can and can’t do. I don’t like being told what I can and can’t do. But God’s laws are different. The Bible sets a few guides for us to follow. If we follow these, there is a freedom that comes with that. As a parent, I put rules in place because they are what is best for my kids. If they follow those rules, I know they will be happier. Of course, just like all of us, they have to figure that out for themselves.
James 2:1-11 speaks specifically to how we treat other people. He pulls in the quote from Jesus, the law of Christ to “Love your neighbor as yourself” to say “treat people nice”. Yes… even the people that I don’t like. Treat everyone nice. And, treat everyone the same. It doesn’t matter what their economic, political, or social status is. Treat everyone with respect. Don’t treat some people better because they may be able to do something for us. In other words, stop trying to build my kingdom and work to seek first the kingdom of God.
But, we adults sometimes have to figure these things out for ourselves, just like my kids. When we do things that we know are not right, but we feel the need to push those boundaries just a bit, we cause issues around us. Maybe it is a feeling of regret or guilt inside of us. Maybe you are just completely unaware that when you set up that canopy on the 40 yard line in front of the bleachers at my kid’s football game that you just made 50 people in the stands angry at you and have lots of unpleasant things to say about you. Treat people with respect. Think about other people and treat them the way we would want to be treated. Seek first the kingdom of God, not my kingdom.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.
Mercy triumphs over judgement.
James 2: 12-13
That last line is very powerful. Yes, there are rules that we need to follow and should try to follow as best we can. But when we go off and try to push those boundaries, remember to treat people how we would like to be treated. Yes, my kids get disciplined when they step outside the boundaries and there are consequences, but with that discipline, they know there is love. I make sure they know that. We cannot change what we have done, we can only change what we do now. Mercy triumphs over judgement.
